At the start of the year, I decided I wanted to “get serious” about my blogging. I wanted to change from being a haphazard, hobby blogger and try and be a little bit more professional. I wanted to be create something I was proud of, could share with people and maybe even (God-willing) earn a little money in the process.
I’m not crazy enough to think I’m going to earn a life-changing amount – I don’t even particularly want to become a “full-time blogger”. But as the saying goes “Every Little Helps”.
To get off on the right foot, I started reading lots of other blogs giving hints and advice for how to do things properly. BlogLovin is great for this – there are tons of posts about how to write a good blog post, how to use social media and (we come to the point of this post) how to have the perfect Instagram.
It didn’t take me long to realise that’s one thing I’ll probably never have – and here’s why:
1) My house isn’t all white.
You know what I’m talking about – on the most professional, glossy Instagram feeds everything is white. The walls, the furniture….everything. With maybe a posy of pink flowers, just to add contrast.
Not in my house – it’s bursting with colourful walls and mismatched furniture. And that’s exactly how I like it!
2) My life really isn’t very glamourous.
I don’t go to swanky restaurants in London every week, I very rarely go to expensive shops and I have never been invited to any kinds of award ceremony (unless you include my daughter’s dance presentations)
I do however spend a lot of time in my cluttered living room, watching telly and drinking tea. Or I’m at Chatsworth. So that’s pretty much what you can expect to see!
3) My life is messy. Really messy.
I have two kids under 5 (just). And before them, I wasn’t exactly neat myself. I work pretty much full time, and when I’m at home I’m probably playing computer games when I should be tidying up.
My house will almost never (unless I’m having a Freaky Friday, personality-switch day) look like the kind of immaculate show home that most blogs display.
Instead, expects toys on the floor and piles of laundry in the background – at least you know it’s real!
4) I’m not trying to create a work of art, but a work of heart.
Ha ha! How cheesy was that? I thought about re-wording, but couldn’t resist. It sums up perfectly the point I’m trying to make. I could spend hours, planning each photo, cropping, filtering and all the rest to make my life appear as pristine and polished as all the rest of them.
But then, it wouldn’t be me. And so there really isn’t any point. I’m trying to share my actual life with you, and with that life comes a lot of clutter.
If you like the glossy, perfect Instagram feeds – good for you. So do I. I look at them longingly, safe in the knowledge that I’ll never be like that. But if you like something a little different and you want to see something real – follow me.
If in spite all these things, you still fancy following me on Instagram, you can find me here
What’s on your Instagram feed? Do you plan or are you more “point and shoot”? Leave your Instagram username in the comments and I’ll follow you. I’m always looking to expand my network.
Hi, Just thought I would come and say hello. I am also a guest at the party.
I loved your post about Instagram. Although I have an account I have not really used it yes, as my life is pretty uneventful! At least you are keeping things real on there which I admire. 🙂
Hi – Thanks for stopping by. I just saw your comment on the party post so I’m heading over to your site now. A lot of my family have my Instagram as well, so they’d think something suspicious was going on if everything looked too perfect! Ha!
Stopped by from the blog party and wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your post a lot.
Hi, Stacey. I’m here from the party.
Nice post! I love “work of heart.”
I’m davidbridger1 on Instagram. My phone’s in the other room charging at the moment, but I’ll follow you when I get recommended with it later. 🙂